Mark Stoops had to trust his instincts to hire Liam Coen and thankful he did

Liam Coen was a risky hire for Mark Stoops at the time he made the decision to go a new direction with the UK offense. (Vicky Graff Photo) Photo by Jacob Noger | UK Football

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops wishes he could have had offensive coordinator Liam Coen for more than a year but said on the “Leach Report” with Tom Leach that he was “appreciative and thankful” for what Coen did before leaving recently to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams.

“He stayed until he couldn’t say no,” said Stoops.

Stoops hired San Francisco 49ers quarterback coach Rich Scangarello to replace Coen but admits it was a “pretty stressful time” until he got the hire made.

“It was extremely late to make changes. I was under the gun and could not be more pleased with the way things worked out,” Stoops said. “Rich has so much experience. It was really just amazing, almost humbling when you talk to him and see the knowledge he has and the passion he had for this job.

“He had college and pro experience just like Liam. He can work with all 11 (positions) on offense.”

Stoops admitted to Leach he took a gamble after the 2020 season when he fired offensive coordinator — and long-time friend — Eddie Gran and brought in Coen.

“It is fair to say I went out on a limb a year ago,” Stoops said. “Rich has seven years in the NFL, the last five as quarterback coach or play-caller (offensive coordinator). That guy is a no-brainer.

“We are so fortunate as a program that Liam is who he was. I trusted my instincts (hiring Coen) and it went exceptionally well. I am very thankful I made that hire even if he was only here a year. He set the standard for us.

“I was making a decision a year ago to take the program one way or the other. It is extremely important to trust your instincts. You have to trust your instincts and have to have a pair, Tom.”